Lake Ontario Fishing: Hook Into the Big Ones
Private Trip
Lakes/Reservoirs/Ponds Fishing
Full-day Lake Ontario fishing targeting multiple trout and salmon speciesExpert captain provides guidance and equipment instruction for all skill levelsSmall group experience with maximum capacity of four guests
Picture this: you're out on Lake Ontario at sunrise, the water's glass-smooth, and your downrigger just took a massive hit. That's exactly what you're signing up for with My Way Charters. We're talking about a full day targeting some of the Great Lakes' most prized fish – Walleye, Coho and Chinook Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Trout. Whether you've been fishing these waters for decades or you're still figuring out which end of the rod to hold, our captain knows these waters like the back of his hand and will put you on fish. Just remember to grab your fishing license before we shove off – you're going to need it.
Lake Ontario fishing is a whole different ball game than what most people are used to. We're talking about one of the deepest Great Lakes, with massive thermal bars and structure that holds serious fish. Your day starts early – and I mean early. We'll typically meet at the marina before dawn because that's when the fish are most active, especially during the warmer months. The boat comfortably handles up to four anglers, so you're not going to be elbow-to-elbow with strangers fighting over rod space. Our captain will brief you on the game plan based on recent reports, water temperature, and what's been biting. Some days we're trolling the deeper waters for Lakers and Kings, other days we're working the shallows for Walleye. The beauty of Lake Ontario is its diversity – you never know what's going to hit your line next. Pack layers because it can get chilly out there, even in summer, and bring plenty of snacks since meals aren't included. Trust me, working a big Chinook will work up an appetite.
Lake Ontario fishing is all about precision trolling and reading electronics. We run a spread of downriggers, planer boards, and lead core lines to cover different depths and zones simultaneously. The captain will handle the technical stuff – setting depths, adjusting speeds, and reading the sonar – but you'll learn plenty just by watching. Typical trolling speeds run between 2.5 and 3.5 mph, depending on what we're targeting and water conditions. For salmon and trout, we're often running spoons, plugs, and cut bait anywhere from 15 to 150 feet down. Walleye fishing is a different beast entirely – we might switch to bottom bouncers, crawler harnesses, or vertical jigging depending on the structure we're fishing. All the gear is provided, but if you've got a lucky lure or favorite rod, bring it along. The key to success out here is staying mobile and adapting to what the fish are telling you through the electronics.
Walleye are the bread and butter of Lake Ontario, and for good reason – they're fantastic eating and put up a respectable fight. These golden beauties typically run 3 to 8 pounds, with the occasional trophy pushing double digits. Spring and fall are prime time for Walleye, when they're staging near rocky structure and drop-offs. They're notorious for their light bite, so you need to stay alert. Many anglers love targeting them because they're predictable once you find their pattern, and they school up nicely.
Coho Salmon are pure adrenaline on a fishing line. These silver rockets average 8 to 15 pounds and are known for their acrobatic fights – expect multiple jumps and screaming runs that'll test your drag system. Peak season runs from late spring through early fall, and they're typically found in the upper water column chasing baitfish. What makes Cohos special is their aggressive nature; when they hit, there's no question about it.
Steelhead Trout are the ultimate prize for many Great Lakes anglers. These chrome-bright fighters can reach 20+ pounds and are famous for their long, powerful runs and spectacular jumps. They're available year-round but peak in spring and fall during their spawning runs. Steelhead are incredibly sporty – they'll test every knot and connection on your tackle. The reason anglers obsess over them is simple: pound-for-pound, nothing fights harder in these waters.
Chinook Salmon, or King Salmon, are the apex predators of Lake Ontario. These monsters regularly hit 20 to 30+ pounds and provide battles that can last 20 minutes or more. Late summer through fall is prime time when they're fattening up for their spawning runs. Kings are all about power – they don't jump much, but they'll pull drag and test your endurance like nothing else. Landing your first King is a rite of passage for Great Lakes anglers.
Lake Trout are the natives here and can live for decades, growing to impressive sizes. These deep-water specialists typically range from 5 to 20 pounds, with occasional giants exceeding 30. They're available year-round but are easiest to target in spring and fall when they move into shallower waters. Lakers are prized for their size potential and the technical challenge of fishing the deep, cold waters they prefer. They're also excellent eating, with firm, flaky meat that's perfect for the grill.
Lake Ontario delivers world-class fishing right in our backyard, and with My Way Charters, you're getting local knowledge that can't be bought. Our captain lives and breathes these waters, tracking patterns and adjusting techniques based on real-time conditions. With space for just four anglers, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of room to fight fish properly. Whether you're looking to check a King Salmon off your bucket list, fill the cooler with Walleye fillets, or just spend a day on one of the Great Lakes, this trip delivers. The combination of multiple target species and expert guidance makes this a top-
Set your lines aboard this 1998 Sea Ray express cruiser, a serious fishing machine built for Lake Ontario's challenging waters. Twin 360HP engines push this boat to 36 knots, getting you to the hottest fishing spots fast. The onboard fish finder takes the guesswork out of locating schools of salmon, walleye, and trout, while GPS navigation keeps you on course and radar helps when visibility drops. Between fighting fish, grab cold drinks from the refrigerator or icebox. The multimedia system keeps spirits up during slower moments. When you need a break from casting, stretch out in the cabin with a full bed, kitchen, and toilet - perfect for longer fishing sessions chasing those trophy lake trout and steelhead. With room for 4 anglers, there's plenty of space to work the rods without getting tangled up. This boat handles Lake Ontario's conditions like a champ, giving you a stable platform whether you're trolling for salmon or jigging for walleye in deeper waters. The captain knows where the fish are biting and will put you on them.
Oncorhynchus TshawytschaKing salmon are the heavyweights of Lake Ontario - these bruisers average 15-25 pounds but can top 35 pounds. They're light-sensitive fish that stick to deeper water during bright days, usually 60-120 feet down, following temperature breaks and baitfish schools. Spring and fall are peak seasons when they're most aggressive. What draws anglers to chinook is the sheer size and power - these fish will test every piece of your tackle. They're bulldogs that make deep, powerful runs rather than jumping. The reddish meat is rich and flavorful. Because they stay deep, downriggers are essential for consistent success. Here's what works: run large spoons or cut bait plugs tight to bottom in 80+ feet of water. When you hook a king, don't horse it - let your drag work and be patient. They're worth the wait.
Oncorhynchus KisutchCoho salmon, or "silvers" as we call them, are some of the most acrobatic fish in Lake Ontario. These beauties average 8-12 pounds but can hit 15+ pounds, with that classic silver body and dark spots. They're pelagic fish, meaning they roam open water chasing baitfish, usually 20-60 feet down. Spring through early fall are your best shots, with cooler overcast days producing hot action. What guests love most is their aerial show - coho will jump repeatedly when hooked, sometimes 6 feet out of the water. The bright orange meat is fantastic eating too. They're strong fighters that'll test your drag. Pro tip: when trolling for coho, watch your fish finder for baitfish schools and work those areas with spoons or flasher/fly combos. When they're feeding, the action can be non-stop.
Salvelinus NamaycushLake trout are the deep-water giants of Lake Ontario, living in the coldest, deepest parts of the lake year-round. These char can reach impressive sizes - 20-40 inches and 15-30 pounds aren't uncommon here. They're bottom-oriented fish that prefer depths of 80-200+ feet, suspended over deep basins or relating to underwater structure. Best fishing is during cooler months when they're more active, especially spring and fall. What guests enjoy about lakers is their size potential and unique deep-water fight - they're heavy, steady pullers that test your patience. The meat is good eating when properly prepared. Since they live so deep, vertical jigging is your best bet. Use heavy jigs with paddle-tail swimbaits and work them right on bottom. Key tip: lakers often follow your lure up without hitting, so if you mark fish but don't get bit, try dropping back down immediately.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are basically rainbow trout on steroids - same species, but these lake-run fish are bigger, stronger, and more aggressive. They typically run 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds in Lake Ontario, with their distinctive silvery sides and black-spotted backs. These fish cruise open water but move shallow during spring and fall migrations. Best fishing happens in cooler months - late fall through early spring when they're staging near tributaries. What makes steelhead special is their raw power and stamina. They'll peel line like nothing else, making long runs and jumping when they feel pressure. The meat is excellent, similar to salmon. During fall runs, try trolling flasher/fly rigs in 40-80 feet of water near tributary mouths. When steelhead are in, you'll know it - they hit hard and don't give up easy.
Sander VitreusWalleye are one of Lake Ontario's most sought-after fish, and for good reason. These golden-colored beauties average 15-20 inches but can push 30 inches and 10+ pounds. What makes them special is those silvery eyes that help them hunt in low light - they're most active at dawn, dusk, and cloudy days. You'll find them hanging around rocky structure, drop-offs, and weed edges, usually 10-30 feet down during daylight. Spring through fall are prime time, especially evening hours. Guests love walleye because they fight smart rather than flashy, and the meat is absolutely top-tier - firm, white, and mild. Here's a local trick: when you're fishing structure, don't just fish the top of it. Work your jig down the sides where walleye often suspend, waiting to ambush baitfish.
Wolcott, NY